Week Three - Day Four: Considering The Fire Within
Do you remember the fire illustration from yesterday? Before we go any further, we need to consider the condition of our “fire.”
Let’s begin with a definition of what it means to be a Christian. “Being a Christian means to have a life-defining connection with God because of what Jesus Christ has done.”
What we need to notice first about that definition is what isn’t there. For example, there is no mention of being good in the definition. Being good is a good thing and I believe a real connection with God will result in my being a better husband, father and neighbor. But being good is not what being a Christian is really all about.
There is no mention of a philosophy of life in the definition. Christianity, at its core, is not a philosophy of life. Of course, there are profound philosophical implications that follow the decision to follow Christ, but you can be a Democrat, a Republican or you can reject the idea of government altogether and still be a Christian. Some Christians are pacifists and many of our nation’s leading generals have been Christians. Etc.
There is no mention of church or of any kind of specific religious practices whatsoever in the definition. There is nothing about family, nothing about country or ethnicity, and nothing about education involved. All of these things are very secondary, if they matter at all.
Quick review: “Being a Christian means to have a life-defining connection with God because of what Jesus Christ has done.”
Well, what are the implications for us in this definition? So let’s get old school to answer that question. Let’s go revivalistic. Let’s consider some questions that will help us look at whether or not there really is a spiritual “fire” in us at all.
- Do you have a connection with God?
- The question is not “Do you believe in God?” For too many of us “belief in God” can be reduced to knowing information about God or having a vague idea that God exists.
- Have you felt an emotional touch from God? We’re not talking sentimentality here. Have you felt His presence?
- Has your mind been stirred by thoughts about God? Has He inspired you?
- Have you decided to make Him the CEO of your present and your future?
- Does that connection define who you are?
- I really don’t think that’s overstating the case. Jesus’ earliest followers gave their lives for the cause. Over the centuries since many have followed suit. Many others have given all of their treasure and their time and their talents.
- So make a short list of the things that define you. “Job, kids, education, physical attributes, etc.” Does God dominate that list?
- Think about what you spend your time thinking about.
- Think about how you spend your money. Think about how you decide how you will spend your money.
- Do you understand who God is because you understand the life and ministry of Jesus Christ?
- Do you know about Jesus? Really?
- Do you see a real connection between Jesus’ life and what God offers you?
- Do you understand and embrace the cosmic interchange that happened because of Jesus’ death and resurrection? Do you see how that applies to you?
- We will have much more to contemplate about this in future months, but can you say yes to this right now?
- Can you say about Jesus, like Thomas said when he saw him after the resurrection, “my Lord and my God”?
These questions give texture and definition to the “fire” within us. They explain the emotional and spiritual reality that these daily offices are feeding and fueling. This is what we are fanning into flame. And this makes all the difference – in everything!
You may not be on board with all this. That’s okay too. Keep going. Over time, I pray that more and more of this starts to make sense.
Let’s launch our day today by reflecting on Jesus’ teaching about this. In one fascinating exchange with a well-known teacher in Israel, he gave a brilliant illustration of the kind of spiritual connection that we have described here. Let me define some terms before you read this.
When you read “Pharisee,” think about a cross between a well-known minister, a religion professor and a local town council representative. When you read “kingdom of God,” think about God’s sovereignty and control over everything and His authority to rule over everything.
Before You Start Your Day
- Read John 3:1-17.
(1)Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. (2) He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him."
(3) In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."
(4) "How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!"
(5) Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. (6) Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. (7) You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' (8) The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."
(9) "How can this be?" Nicodemus asked.
(10) "You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus, "and do you not understand these things? (11) I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. (12) I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? (13) No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. (14) Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, (15) that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.
(16) "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (17) For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
John 3:1-17
- Why do you suppose Nicodemus came to see Jesus at night?
- What is Nicodemus’ attitude toward Jesus?
- Have you heard the phrase “born again” before?
- Think about being born. Now apply those thoughts to your spiritual life. What are the implications?
- Look at John 3:16. Have you “believed” in this way before?
(16) "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
- If not, can you commit to it today? If so, can you recommit to it today?
- Pray for someone else who is doing this office. Pray for their connection with God. Pray that God will fan the fire within them into a blaze today!
- Consider getting in touch with someone doing these exercises and discussing what you thought about today.
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